VILLAGERS and visitors turned out in force for the annual Dunchurch Festival fete day on Saturday.

Bunting and balloons decked the village square and there was a party atmosphere throughout the day.

Dozens of knights, kings, queens, princesses and fairies joined the mediaeval procession through the village and glorious sunshine helped keep the hundreds of party-goers smiling.

The parade trooped from the Dunchurch Management College along Rugby Road towards the village centre and then marched on to Dunchurch Junior School, in Dew Close, where the fete began.

Tots as young as three had dressed up for the fancy dress contest, which organisers said was the biggest in years.

Members of local charities and organisations joined the procession and manned stalls in the grounds of the school.

Among those represented at the event were St Peter?s church, Dunchurch, Thurlaston WI, British Red Cross Youth, Dunchurch Baptist church, Dunchurch Baby and Toddlers Group and the Royal British Legion.

The village twinning association was also out in force, with members encouraging people to build on links between Dunchurch and its French twin town of Ferrieres en Brie.

Falconry, abseiling, archery and rhythmic music from the Rugby School of Samba were some of the more unusual attractions, while children enjoyed the bouncy castle, Punch and Judy and fair stalls.

The fete is organised by the Dunchurch Festival Group and proceeds are split between local causes and funds for the new village hall.